Understanding the Importance of Alternator Health in Your Porsche
The alternator is a mini electricity generator that produces power for all your Porsche systems.
It’s a relatively long-lived component and will usually work effectively for at least eight years. An alternator will almost always exhibit signs that it’s failing, enabling you to replace it before this happens. As your Porsche Center, we’d like you to know some signs that you need to visit us for an alternator service.
Signs You Need an Alternator Service at Your Porsche Center
Noisy Alternator
If you hear grinding or whining noises from the engine, you could have an alternator problem. Grinding noises are usually caused by worn alternator bearings. Older bearings wear out and can crack, slowing the alternator and reducing the electricity it can supply. We’ll replace the bearings to fix this issue.
Whining noise can mean that the alternator belt is slipping. This belt connects to the crankshaft, and the turning crankshaft causes the belt to move at high speed across a series of pulleys. One of these pulleys powers the alternator. The belt can slip slightly out of its grooves and suffer friction damage as it rubs against the metal. Our technicians will adjust the belt using the belt tensioner, and the noises will cease.
Illuminated Battery Light
The battery warning light illuminates if any problem is detected in the electrical system. The alternator can trigger this light due to a decrease in voltage, a failed rectifier, worn alternator wires, or several other reasons. Each of these situations reduces the amount of power supplied by the alternator. Worn wiring can restrict the amount of electricity supplied to the system.
The rectifier converts AC produced by the alternator in DC for your Porsche systems. If the rectifier fails, AC will continue to be produced, but your Porsche systems will start to shut down without DC. Once we replace the rectifier, the power supply will return to normal. A decrease in voltage output is the start of a slow and steady alternator decline. We advise replacing a weak alternator to prevent future problems.
Damaged Battery
A damaged battery can damage your alternator and even cause it to fail. The alternator recharges the battery, but the recharging process is carefully controlled to prevent damage to either the battery or the alternator. The battery is recharged at full power for ten minutes, then recharging switches to 10% of capacity until the battery is replenished.
If the battery is damaged, it won’t send the confirmation signal that switches the alternator to its reduced rate. The alternator will continue to recharge at full power, which causes serious damage to the alternator in the process. We’ll replace your damaged battery and may need to install a new alternator if the original one is damaged.
If you have an alternator problem, contact the experts at Porsche North Scottsdale in Phoenix, AZ.